The best desert campgrounds in United States

Craving wide-open horizons and stark, sun-baked beauty? The United States delivers, with over 32,000 desert campsites where sand, stone, and sky take centre stage. Expect prices averaging $45 a night—though you’ll find tent spots for as little as $5 if you know where to look. Top picks like Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp (2805 reviews), Cuyama Badlands (1973 reviews), and The Needles Outpost Campground (1089 reviews) let you wake to red cliffs, wild silence, and endless sky. Campfires are allowed at many spots, and you’ll often have access to showers—plus, pets are usually welcome. Watch jackrabbits dart past your tent at dawn. Cast a line in a rare desert pond. Take a dip after a day of sun-soaked hiking. Out here, you’ll find the real desert—raw, vast, and surprisingly full of life.

95% (56.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

/ night

18. Coyote Crossing

98%

(686)

20 sites · Tents · Terlingua, TX

Located in Southern Most Section of Terlingua Ranch, within eyesight of the Mexican Border, National, and State Parks. Easy to find, just across from Willow Mountain, one of the most photograph natural features in Big Bend. Traveling highway 118 you will see the Entrance at address 53420, just north 1 mile of the outfitters and gas station. Every night the coyotes would cross the road and come for a visit..Thus the name Coyote Crossing.. With dreams of a tiny home and campground, we continue to improve on the land every day and love to share it with others. When arriving at night it will be very dark.. very few lights in use, dark sky's are protected in Big Bend.. so it may be hard to find. but we are directly on the highway on the west side of 118. Trash Dumpster up front for your use. No collecting rocks, cactus or wood to burn... NO TRACE, leave it as you find it..

19. Brewery on an Organic Date Farm

97%

(136)

20 sites · RVs, Lodging · Wellton, AZ

We have an 80-acre Organic Medjool Date farm located at the base of the Gila Mountains in Wellton, AZ. We are a bit off the beaten path but once you get here it's so worth the drive. The star gazing is amazing and if you like off-roading there are trails everywhere out here! We have an onsite Brewery and restaurant, open seasonally to guests and to the public. High Tanks Brewing Co is open November-April, Thu-Sun. Throughout this season we offer many fun things to do such as farm tours, live music, cornhole tournaments, yoga, farm-to-table style dinners, and much more. Please check out our website www.hightanks.com or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hightanks for a schedule of events. We are only a 10-minute drive from our sleepy little town of Wellton and a 35-minute drive from bustling Yuma. Be sure to check the listing carefully for details and feel free to ask questions.

20. Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

95%

(220)

24 sites · Tents, RVs · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

Camper favorites in United States

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Temple of the Bird

100%

(25)

27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Terlingua, TX

Terlingua's only Hostel. Walking distance to all things in the Historic Ghost Town. We offer private rooms, a bunk room, primitive campsites and small motorhome sites. Huge communal area with a large bar, well appointed kitchen, maybe the nicest bathrooms/showers in the area, as well as frequent live music. Focusing on creating a strong community, social gatherings, including pot luck and fundraisers, and celebrating music, Willie Nelson and all things middle fingered. As we tell everyone, no need to wave with all your offensive fingers when it only takes 1 finger to say "I Love You!" We have a lot of fun here and have become a real social spot in this incredible community. When staying here you can expect to meet other travelers and locals alike. If you play music, all the better, as music usually fills the air here. From the house piano to any number of friends who stop by just to jam for a while. We are 21 and up, due to having a bar (BYOB) and just want adults to feel comfortable being adults . So bring an instrument, a sense of humor and a middle finger and come experience the magic that is Terlingua, Texas.

Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

95%

(324)

15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dunnellon, FL

Welcome! 🌿 We're thrilled to have you join us for an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature and animals. 🐾 At our ranch, we're dedicated to providing a sanctuary for rescued animals and offering our guests a unique opportunity to connect with nature and support our mission of animal welfare and conservation – it's a haven where you can relax, unwind, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 🌟 During your stay, you'll have the chance to meet our furry friends, including rescued farm animals and adorable companions who call Happy Campers Rescue Ranch home. Whether you're feeding the goats, cuddling with the kittens, or exploring the beautiful surroundings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 🐷🐱🌳 But that's not all – we also offer a range of exciting extras to enhance your experience. Rent a Kayak or Paddle Boat to explore the area and crystal-clear waters of Rainbow Springs, or choose our cooler with built-in air conditioning ❄️ to stay comfortable during hot summer days inside your tent. As a guest, you'll not only have the opportunity to relax and unwind, but you'll also be supporting our mission of animal rescue and rehabilitation. A portion of your stay goes directly towards caring for our rescued animals and maintaining our sanctuary, allowing us to continue our important work. 🤲 We can't wait to welcome you to out ranch and share our love for animals and nature with you. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a unique retreat, we're here to make your stay unforgettable. 🌈 ***We kindly request bookings for a maximum duration of up to 7 days. This allows us to maintain the integrity of our sanctuary and ensures that our animals receive consistent care and attention while also offering our guests the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating getaway. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Thank you for choosing our ranch – we look forward to hosting you soon! 🎉

Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp

97%

(4426)

67 sites · Tents, RVs · Virgin, UT

Off Grid eco oriented camp on 1200 acres overlooking Zion National Park. Owned and operated by Bill Wright, a rancher whose family has farmed and ranched the land for several generations. A few minutes from Zion’s backcountry trails in the Kolob Terrace Region and approx. 40 minutes to the main gate of Zion NP. Bill Wright is the father of the legendary "Wright Brothers" the family of Professional Rodeo Saddle Bronc riders. You will often see Bill tending the land and moving cattle and horses from your campsite. This off the grid ranch has some of the most stunning views you'll ever encounter. Want a little adventure during your stay? Reserve a 2-hour horseback ride with Bill. He'll finish your ride with one of the most breathtaking vistas you can find of Zion National Park. Our property features many spaced out sites to choose from with bathrooms onsite. Pets and campfires are also allowed.

DragonflyHill Desert Farm

97%

(297)

27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Desert Hot Springs, CA

About Welcome to DragonflyHill Desert Farm & Wildlife Habitat where you can experience desert magic, starry skies, and natural mineral water from our private well. Remote enough for a quiet retreat yet easy to get to and only a short drive to amenities and outdoor adventures! Please review our rules and read our entire listing description prior to requesting to stay here, to assure we’re the right space for you. Copies of our rules, registration documents, liability waiver and amenities are provided in our photos. Guests must agree to adhere to our rules and honor our cancellation policy to book with us. If you have any questions, please make an inquiry and we will get back to you very quickly. We really do love this work. LOCATION: We are located one mile down a well maintained and navigable dirt road, 20 minutes to Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Desert, and 15 minutes to the 10 freeway. We're near the Cabazon outlets, 2 hours to Los Angeles, San Diego, Disneyland, mountain areas, and beaches. Nearby there are local wildlife preserves, hiking and outdoor activities. We are 45 minutes to Joshua Tree and a half hour to Coachella. We truly are in the middle of nowhere and the center of everything. For folks traveling in winter, we’re considerably warmer than Joshua Tree and the High Desert. In summer we are cooler than Palm Springs. Immediate neighbors are small farmers and ranchers. Local spas and resorts are available for day use and access to their pools and ponds for as little as $10 a day ($5 seniors). We can provide space for events and entertainment for a small fee. ARRIVAL: Upon approving your reservation we'll send you a welcome message with information we need prior to your arrival to process your reservation, prepare for your arrival and provide you with check in information and accurate directions as gps apps to our location are often wrong. Please answer that initial email as soon as possible. We'll follow up with check in information and driving directions. Once in the gate, stay on the driveway and meet us on the patio with the blue shade sails. We will provide you with an approximately 15 minute orientation and tour, register you, check identification and show you to your campsite. Guests are required to fill out a liability waiver and a simple registration form. (See photos for copies of these forms.) OUR SPACE: Our land is 130 feet wide by an eighth of a mile deep in a residential neighborhood with lots 2.5-10 acres. We can see and hear our neighbors. We maintain a very quiet space but occasionally our neighbors have their own activities and events. Let us know if the neighborhood gets too noisy and we'll try to mitigate those situations. We can also provide free earplugs for those very rare occasions. Guests wanting a totally isolated experience may want to book elsewhere. DragonflyHill Desert Farm is a working farm in a wilderness area. Guests should check weather forecasts prior to arrival and assure that they have the right equipment. We have a moderate cancellation policy that allows guests to cancel 3 days prior to their arrival date to receive a refund. This allows enough time to check weather reports. There are occasional heavy rains and frequent high winds. It can get very hot in summer and reach freezing temperatures in winter. Despite our proximity to the freeway and nearby cities, and our location in a residential neighborhood, this is very much a wilderness area. DragonflyHill is not responsible for the weather. We are not a resort. Expect dry plants and patches during summer and into the fall. As a farm, we may be a bit more rustic than your typical farm to allow for shelter for local wildlife. Our cultivation methods encourage biodiversity and though we are growing food, many of our crops resemble landscaping or natural habitat rather than garden patches. Currently we have habitat viewing areas, an herb garden, an orchard, an outdoor classroom, a sheltered social distancing patio, an outdoor kitchen, meditation gardens, our (seasonal) mineral pool, community library, game boards and toys, and a tree bath. Plant varieties, wildlife and presentation may vary by season. Our farm specializes in herbs, fruit trees, desert and native plants, and edible flowers. We also grow some sprouts and microgreens indoors. We cultivate community and share what we grow with our neighbors and our guests. Guests have shared access to the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, the orchards, gardens, patios, and grounds of the Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat, and (for safety reasons) limited access to the pool pond and spa -both unheated. The pool pond is filled with local mineral water from our own well. The pool pond is cleaned regularly & is chlorinated. The pool pond is not cleaned daily and is shared with wildlife. including bees and birds who drink water pool side. Debris from high winds and wildlife may contribute to the pool pond environment. Currently neither the pool pond nor the spa is heated. We also have wheelchair accessible hot water outdoor showers and wheelchair accessible porta potties. The pool area is accessible to guests year round but the pool itself is winterized and unavailable from mid October through mid to late April. We work hard to keep the home well maintained & clean; we're vigilant & do due diligence with professional quarterly visits from Truly Nolen 4 Season Pest Prevention (a green company.) We doubt you'll see any unwanted critters inside or near the house or other structures during your stay, but if you do, please advise us & we will promptly address the situation. DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat is in a remote area of the desert with lots of wildlife. To help us keep wildlife OUT of the house and campsites, please keep food out of reach of critters & clean up after every meal. We affirmatively welcome children, but as this is a working farm in a wilderness area, parents will need to be vigilant of their child's safety and activity while here. We are constantly adding activities and features for children and adults. We are child friendly and we are a good location for groups. (Just message us with your details and we can tailor your stay to meet your needs.) We have 1 cat and 1 service dog. Other guests may have pets or assistance animals. Neighbors have chickens, farm animals and pets. There are a few feral cats in the vicinity as well as a variety of desert wildlife. At night you can hear the coyotes though we’ve never seen them or their tracks on our land. Common sightings of road runners, rabbits, hares, lizards, snakes, hawks, doves, desert wrens, migrating ducks (in the Spring), scorpions, mantises, crickets, mockingbirds, insects and spiders. WHO WE ARE: DragonflyHill is a community of artisans, activists, craftspeople and farmers, working together to cultivate community, develop methodologies for living and working together in ever increasing paradigms of social justice and sustainability. We are a safe and sober space that is disability and LGBTQIA affirmative, anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-imperialist and de-colonialist, because anything else is just a bandaid. Core values of our work include attention to detail, fine craftwork and cultivating community. Some members of the Dragonfly Team live on the premises at all times and will be here for the duration of your stay. The rest of the team are community members. All Team members work at DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat in different capacities, in cooperation and collaboration with each other. It should be noted that we are not a museum community and our collective is not on display. Only 2-3 members of the community are currently responsible for hosting guests. Community members are autonomous and, much of our community functions virtually. There are also occasional community events at the farm, including farming, though many activities are just coming back after the pandemic. We hope to offer activities in the Fall. All activities will continue to be held outdoors and social distancing is required. We speak: English and Spanish. We can communicate somewhat in French, Italian and Portuguese. DRAGONFLYHILL CONSEIRGE We love to hear about your travels and share our knowledge of our community and Southern California with our guests. Our library, located on the Blue Patio, offers children’s books, local history including indigenous history, farming and gardening, wildlife guides, hiking trails, entertainment and tourist attractions. We can recommend activities on and off site including places to go with children, local hiking, museums, restaurants and shopping. In addition to campsites, for additional fees, we offer reiki, a private jacuzzi hot water mineral bath, farm tours, firewood, tutoring, tax preparation, vehicle storage, event and space rental, and classes. Three of us are licensed to officiate weddings. RULES, DOCUMENTS & AMENITIES Carefully read our listing description and our rules to determine if we're the right space for you. We know we have excellent reviews but take the time to assure that we offer what you are looking for. Each Hipcamp host is autonomous and has their own rules, amenities and features. Hipcamp does not provide guests a copy of the house rules until after you have selected a location and then requires you to agree to the house rules before finalizing your decision. There is not enough space in the listing description to include the rules so guests can see them prior to booking. If you would like to see our rules, registration documents or a list of amenities please find them in our photos or message us prior to booking and we will send you a copy. We welcome guests new to Hipcamp but please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Hipcamp platform. Hipcamp travel is very different from public campgrounds. At DragonflyHill Desert Farm and Wildlife Habitat you will be guests in our home. We welcome and encourage guests with service and support animals to stay with us. All animals must have current vaccination records.

Good Guad Land Co.

98%

(286)

5 sites · Tents, RVs · Dell City, TX

Find extreme solitude and unforgettable views of Guadalupe Peak at this desert escape next to Guadalupe Mountains National Park! This is choose-your-own-adventure camping. The terrain is rugged, and the dust and wind blow some nights. Once you're here, there are zero amenities (other than picnic tables). If this sounds fine — you don't mind roughing it — you'll be sleeping under the stars at the foot of West Texas' tallest mountain range. And who else can say they've done that? Distance to nearby attractions: Guadalupe Mountains National Park Visitor Center, 11 miles; Black River Recreation Area, 42 miles; Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, 52 miles Distance from nearby towns: Dell City, 34 miles; Van Horn, 56 miles; Carlsbad, 65 miles; El Paso, 104 miles

Coyote Crossing

98%

(686)

20 sites · Tents · Terlingua, TX

Located in Southern Most Section of Terlingua Ranch, within eyesight of the Mexican Border, National, and State Parks. Easy to find, just across from Willow Mountain, one of the most photograph natural features in Big Bend. Traveling highway 118 you will see the Entrance at address 53420, just north 1 mile of the outfitters and gas station. Every night the coyotes would cross the road and come for a visit..Thus the name Coyote Crossing.. With dreams of a tiny home and campground, we continue to improve on the land every day and love to share it with others. When arriving at night it will be very dark.. very few lights in use, dark sky's are protected in Big Bend.. so it may be hard to find. but we are directly on the highway on the west side of 118. Trash Dumpster up front for your use. No collecting rocks, cactus or wood to burn... NO TRACE, leave it as you find it..

Brewery on an Organic Date Farm

97%

(136)

20 sites · RVs, Lodging · Wellton, AZ

We have an 80-acre Organic Medjool Date farm located at the base of the Gila Mountains in Wellton, AZ. We are a bit off the beaten path but once you get here it's so worth the drive. The star gazing is amazing and if you like off-roading there are trails everywhere out here! We have an onsite Brewery and restaurant, open seasonally to guests and to the public. High Tanks Brewing Co is open November-April, Thu-Sun. Throughout this season we offer many fun things to do such as farm tours, live music, cornhole tournaments, yoga, farm-to-table style dinners, and much more. Please check out our website www.hightanks.com or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hightanks for a schedule of events. We are only a 10-minute drive from our sleepy little town of Wellton and a 35-minute drive from bustling Yuma. Be sure to check the listing carefully for details and feel free to ask questions.

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

95%

(220)

24 sites · Tents, RVs · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Stories from the community

Can't beat that view of the tallest mountain in Texas!

H

Hanni

2 days ago

16 ft car

2 nights at Good Guad Land Co.

Beautiful location- nothing like sunrise & sunset with El Capitan in view. Glad we arrived pre-sunset which is definitely recommended. Better views than BLM land nearby. We hiked Guadalupe peak and drive was <20 min in total.

T

Taelor

3 days ago

Tent

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was very good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 and it had a great view of the lake and mountains along with a picnic table, fire pit and electrical stations on for sides of the tent for charging. It was practically snowing late at night but we were able to plug in our heater so our tent was nice and cozy when we were in there. It was so enjoyable in fact, we originally only booked 2 nights but ended up staying a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one public restroom but to our surprise we never had to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot there was a heater and the toilet paper was always stocked. For the price you really cannot beat the experience and I would definitely recommend to stay here if you’re considering it!

B

Billie

3 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Bus Stop Campground

Great spot! Running water, electric hookups, clean hot showers, clean restrooms, and insane views. Definitely recommend this spot. We took our truck with a tent on top.

T

Tamara

5 days ago

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Willow Creek Camping Company

I loved tent camping at this place!!! The hot showers and super clean bathrooms were the best after long hikes in Big Bend!! Definitely I will stay again here, is super close to downtown Terlingua and Big Bend entrance! I 100% recommend Retief’s land for a cool camping adventure, He is a super host!

M

Maria

5 days ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Willow Creek Camping Company

The perfect spot here! The restrooms and bath were so good, I loved the space we had between campsites and the bit further location for w1-3. There were coyote sightings but nothing bothered us at all, I would love to stay here again if we ever go back, thank you

K

Kelly

5 days ago

Tent

With kids

3 nights at The Bus Stop Campground

This was by far one of the best camping spots we’ve experienced and we are regular campers. Location views and amenities were all perfection!

E

Edgar

6 days ago

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Really enjoyed our stay at this campsite. It was our first camping trip ever so we only stayed the one night but definitely going back. Clean area, organized sites, clean bathroom, great views, and very easy to get to.

Kaitlyn

6 days ago

2 nights at Starlight Outpost

Had an amazing stay! From the moment we pulled in I was in love! Had everything we needed to be comfortable. The night time vibes were amazing with the lighting and adorable decor. Don’t forget your warm clothes though, it was definitely colder then I expected but the heated bed made sleeping cozy!

G

Grace

6 days ago

Tent

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

We loved it here! There was a bathroom with running water a short walk away and the views with the lake and mountains were beautiful.

S

Sang

6 days ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Willow Creek Camping Company

Great location! I saw so many stars! I would definitely come back

A

Adam

6 days ago

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at The Bus Stop Campground

Everything about the campsite was perfect! The effort that was put into the property really shows and is definitely appreciated. The community restrooms were clean and stocked, the showers were like a spa steam room. Everything was extremely comfortable

R

Rio

6 days ago

16 ft car

4 nights at The Bus Stop Campground

Great campsite. Def will be booking again. Clean bathrooms and showers, which for me makes the biggest difference while out camping. Stars were unreal. Thank you!

J

John

6 days ago

Tent

With kids

5 nights at The Bus Stop Campground

Awesome spot! Loved the views and site layout. Having firewood on site was super convenient.

Joel

6 days ago

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at The Bus Stop Campground

What a cool spot! Dirt road in was a lot of fun. Brought a 20ft camper to spot 10. No problems at all. Friendly folks. Would recommend. Will come back!

t

tracy

1 week ago

19 ft campervan

3 nights at Willow Creek Camping Company

Great spot!! Nice bathrooms, dishwashing area, handy location. We will be back!!

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Guy

1 week ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Willow Creek Camping Company

Conveniently located just outside Terlingua, and 5 minutes from the park, the first things we noticed when we pulled in were the covered picnic table on a concrete slab, electrical outlet, and fire pit with swing-out grill. We used all three! The central hub shack and deck had a clean & sanitary toilet (gotta love that blue water!), shower, sink, and dishwashing counter gave us everything we needed to make our stay comfortable. I must give the shower a 10 out of 10 - clean, spacious, and large diameter rain shower head with excellent pressure and instant hot water - none of us wanted our showers to end!!! Better than showers in most 4 star hotels - no joke! Retief saw us off in the morning on his red Jeep and stopped to chat. Super nice guy! Highly recommend staying here, whether it’s for one day or a week!

St

1 week ago

Tent

4 nights at Good Guad Land Co.

This site is right off the highway, but it feel remote with open skies and views of El Capitan and Guadalupe Peak. The sunsets are unreal and we enjoyed our stay out here away from the crowds.

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Brian

1 week ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Willow Creek Camping Company

Close to the National Park. Nice campground. Nice to have access water, toilet, showers. W3 is a bit of a hike from the parking area.

H

Humberto

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Bus Stop Campground

This site was perfect. Had all the amenities, showers are really nice with plenty of hot water. Away from the crowds but close to Terlingua to eat and site see. Would definitely stay again.